Last updated: August 21, 2025
In January, Kyoto, Japan experiences a unique blend of winter charm and chilly temperatures. The month sees a maximum temperature of 16°C (60°F), while the average hovers around a brisk 4°C (39°F), dipping to a minimum of -7°C (19°F) during the coldest nights. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of light rain, as 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation falls over approximately 9 days, contributing to the city's serene winter atmosphere. With humidity levels around 82%, the air can feel quite crisp, making January a perfect time to explore Kyoto's cultural treasures or enjoy a warm cup of matcha.
In January, Kyoto experiences a chilly embrace, with temperatures ranging from a brisk -7°C (19°F) to a pleasant 16°C (60°F), creating an average of 4°C (39°F). This wintry month marks the beginning of the year where the days can fluctuate, reflecting a shift from the extreme cold of December's lows, which plumbed to -9°C (17°F). As January progresses, there’s a subtle warming trend that hints at the approaching spring, with nighttime lows typically hovering just below freezing. This transitional period showcases the unique charm of Kyoto, where the crisp air complements the serene beauty of the season, offering a cozy backdrop for enjoying the vibrant culture and historic sites. The gradual increase in temperatures leading into February, such as a slight dip to -8°C (18°F) overnight, continues to suggest the lingering bite of winter, yet it also foreshadows the gentle thaw of early spring just around the corner.
In January, Kyoto, Japan, experiences a relatively mild start to the year with a total precipitation of 56 mm (2.2 in) spread over approximately 9 rainy days. This moderate rainfall sets the stage for the gradual increase in moisture levels as the season transitions into spring. Notably, February sees a slight uptick in precipitation to 62 mm (2.5 in), maintaining the same number of wet days, suggesting a consistent weather pattern. The trend continues into March and April, where precipitation amounts rise significantly, reaching 125 mm (4.9 in) and 157 mm (6.2 in) respectively, indicating that moisture accumulation is ramping up as plants awaken and begin to flourish. The rise in both rainfall volume and wet days is a precursor to the lush greenery Kyoto is renowned for in the warmer months, making January a month of anticipation in the transition toward a wetter, more vibrant spring.
In January, Kyoto experiences a relatively high humidity level of 82%, setting the tone for the winter months. This initial humidity reflects a trend that gradually decreases until March, where it drops to 74%. However, as spring approaches in April, humidity rises slightly to 76%, hinting at the upcoming warmth. The onset of summer in May brings a notable increase, peaking at 93% in July. This intense humidity lingers through August before starting to decline again in the early autumn months. Interestingly, the year concludes with moderate humidity levels around 83%, highlighting a consistent, yet dynamic, annual cycle in Kyoto's climate.
In January, Kyoto experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As the months progress, the UV Index steadily climbs, peaking at an extreme level of 11 from May through August, where the burn time shortens notably to just 10 minutes. This trend indicates that as winter transitions into spring and summer, the intensity of ultraviolet radiation increases significantly, urging residents and visitors to take sun protection measures seriously. Interestingly, a slight drop in UV levels occurs in September and October, with indices of 10 and 7, respectively, before tapering off to more moderate levels in the final months of the year. For those interested in the nuances of UV exposure throughout the year, more information can be found at Kyoto UV Index.
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In January, Kyoto experiences 176 hours of sunshine, marking the beginning of the year with a relatively subdued glow. As winter transitions to spring, February sees an increase to 211 hours, hinting at a gentle awakening of the city's vibrant scenery. The trend continues upward in March and April, with sunshine peaking at 272 hours in April, an invitation to explore the blossoming cherry trees. May welcomes even more rays, reaching 285 hours, solidifying its status as a sun-drenched delight. However, as summer approaches, the hours fluctuate slightly; June provides 265 hours, while July dips to 254 hours. August, the sunniest month, shines down with an impressive 295 hours, wrapping up the season in a warm embrace. As the year wanes, September to November sees a gradual decline in sunshine, stabilizing around 229 hours in November before descending to 209 hours in December. This rhythm of sunlight beautifully captures the essence of Kyoto’s seasonal transformations, each month offering a unique blend of warmth and light.
In Kyoto, Japan, the likelihood of sunny weather in January hovers around 47%, a figure that remains consistent with February's sunshine prospects. As winter gives way to spring, the chance of clear skies begins to dip, with March experiencing a 37% likelihood of sunshine. Notably, April sees a slight uptick at 42%, while the sunny days diminish further into summer, particularly in June and July, where chances drop to around 21% and 29% respectively. Interestingly, as the year progresses, October and November emerge as standout months, showcasing a remarkable increase in sunshine probabilities at 51% and 54%. This trend illustrates how Kyoto's weather evolves, offering the joy of sunny days as seasons change, especially in the latter part of the year.
In Kyoto, Japan, January marks the beginning of the year with about 10 hours of daylight, a figure that remains consistent through February. As spring approaches in March, daylight gradually stretches to 11 hours, heralding the blossoming of nature. By April and May, the days grow longer, peaking at 13 hours as vibrant greenery emerges. The longest days arrive in June and July, where daylight extends to 14 hours, ideal for enjoying the city's natural beauty. As summer wanes into August, daylight begins to taper off, transitioning to 13 hours before a steady decline into September's 12 hours. Autumn brings a further reduction, with daylight dwindling to 10 hours by November and culminating in December with only 9 hours of light, setting a tranquil scene for the winter months. This rhythmic ebb and flow of daylight not only shapes the seasonal activities in Kyoto but also enhances the city's picturesque charm year-round.
In January, Kyoto experiences a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph), setting a calm tone for the start of the year. As winter transitions into early spring, the winds slightly pick up, peaking in February at 3.1 m/s (7 mph), before settling back to 3.0 m/s (7 mph) in March. Throughout the spring months, the wind remains similarly mild, hovering around 2.9 m/s (7 mph) in April before tapering to 2.6 m/s (6 mph) by May. This trend indicates a gradual shift to calmer conditions as the warmer months approach. Come summer, the winds decline further, hitting their lowest point in June at 1.9 m/s (4 mph), showcasing a notable dip during the sultry season. As the year progresses into autumn, wind speeds gradually regain a moderate pace, stabilizing around 2.4 m/s (5 mph) in both November and October before rising slightly again by December, ending the year with a refreshing 2.7 m/s (6 mph). Overall, January serves as a gentle reminder of nature's rhythms as Kyoto breezes in and out of season, reflecting a dynamic interplay of tranquility and seasonal change.
Weather in Kyoto varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Kyoto, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February both exhibit cold climates, but February generally offers slightly milder conditions. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). This month sees 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over nine days, coupled with a high humidity of 82%. In contrast, February experiences a slightly lower minimum temperature of -8°C (18°F), yet a higher maximum of 19°C (67°F), and maintains an average temperature of 4°C (40°F). Precipitation increases marginally to 62 mm (2.5 in) over the same number of days, with humidity decreasing slightly to 79%. For more detailed insights, check out Kyoto weather in February.
When comparing January and March weather, January typically experiences colder temperatures, with minimums dipping to around -7°C (19°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F). In contrast, March brings milder conditions with a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and a notable rise in average temperature to 9°C (48°F). Additionally, March sees a significant increase in precipitation, totaling 125 mm (4.9 in) over 12 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) across 9 days. The humidity levels also differ, as January has a higher humidity of 82%, while March has a more comfortable 74%. For more detailed weather information, check out Kyoto weather in March.
January and April present notably different weather patterns, with January typically colder and wetter than April. In January, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -7°C (19°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 16°C (60°F). This month also sees about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation across 9 days, coupled with high humidity at 82%. In contrast, April boasts a milder climate with minimum temperatures around 0°C (33°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F), reaching maximums of 26°C (80°F). Although April experiences more rainfall, totaling 157 mm (6.2 in) over 11 days, the humidity drops slightly to 76%. For a deeper insight into April's climate, check out Kyoto weather in April.
January and May present stark contrasts in weather. January features a colder climate with temperatures ranging from a chilly -7°C (19°F) at night to a mild 16°C (60°F) during the day, accompanied by an average humidity of 82% and 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days. In contrast, May boasts significantly warmer temperatures, with nightly lows of 4°C (39°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 31°C (88°F), a notable increase in average temperature to 18°C (66°F). Additionally, May experiences more rainfall, totaling 154 mm (6.1 in) over 12 days, while maintaining a similar humidity level of 83%. For more detailed information, you can check Kyoto weather in May.
January and June present stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (19°F) at night to a mild 16°C (60°F) during the day, with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month is marked by a relatively low precipitation of 56 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days, and humidity hovers around 82%. In contrast, June brings much warmer temperatures, with nighttime lows of 11°C (52°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 32°C (89°F), yielding an average of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation significantly increases to 161 mm (6.3 in) falling over 14 days, accompanied by a slight rise in humidity to 87%. For more details on the weather in June, check out Kyoto weather in June.
January and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (19°F) at their lowest to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation of 56 mm (2.2 in) over about 9 days, accompanied by a relatively high humidity of 82%. In sharp contrast, July brings a sweltering heat with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a scorching maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is significantly higher during this month, totaling 324 mm (12.7 in) spread across approximately 22 days, and the humidity rises to a steamy 93%. For more details on the weather in July, you can check Kyoto weather in July.
January and August present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a mild maximum of 16°C (60°F), with an average temperature of 4°C (39°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 56 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days, and humidity sits at 82%, contributing to a cold and damp atmosphere. In contrast, August brings warmth and humidity, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) to a sweltering maximum of 37°C (98°F), and an average of 28°C (82°F). The month is also characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 228 mm (9.0 in) over 14 days, and humidity rises to 91%, making it feel even more oppressive. For a detailed look at August's weather patterns, visit Kyoto weather in August.
In comparing January and September, the stark differences in weather are quite notable. January experiences chilly temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), alongside high humidity at 82%. In contrast, September welcomes much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to as high as 34°C (94°F) and an increased average humidity of 87%. Additionally, September sees significantly higher precipitation, totaling 172 mm (6.8 in) over 15 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 9 days. For more details on how the weather unfolds during this month, visit Kyoto weather in September.
January and October offer striking contrasts in weather, especially in terms of temperature and precipitation. In January, the temperatures range from a chilly -7°C (19°F) to a mild 16°C (60°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). This month experiences relatively low precipitation of 56 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days, and humidity stands at 82%. In contrast, October sees much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F), averaging 18°C (64°F). The month is notably wetter, with 246 mm (9.7 in) of rainfall over 13 days, and humidity slightly rises to 85%. For a detailed look at the weather in October, you can check Kyoto weather in October.
January and November exhibit distinct weather patterns, with January typically being colder and more variable. In January, the temperature ranges from a frigid minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F), averaging around 4°C (39°F). Additionally, the month sees about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 9 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 82%. In contrast, November enjoys milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from -1°C (31°F) to a pleasant maximum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 12°C (53°F). Despite having slightly less rainfall at 47 mm (1.8 in) over 6 days, November's humidity remains similar at 83%. For more insights on the weather in November, you can visit Kyoto weather in November.
In comparing the weather of January and December, we observe that January tends to be slightly warmer on average, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) to a maximum of 16°C (60°F). In contrast, December experiences a colder climate, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of -9°C (17°F) and peaking at 21°C (71°F). Both months receive comparable precipitation levels, with January recording 56 mm (2.2 in) and December accumulating 66 mm (2.6 in), both over approximately 9 days. Humidity levels are similar as well, with January at 82% and December slightly higher at 83%. For more detailed insights into the December climate, you can refer to Kyoto weather in December.
January in Kyoto is a stark contrast to the warmer months, presenting a chillier atmosphere where temperatures can dip to a brisk -7°C, and average around a cool 4°C. With 82% humidity and about 9 days of precipitation, the month can feel damp, making it essential for visitors to dress warmly. This winter season offers a unique charm with fewer crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience of Kyoto's stunning temples and serene landscapes. For those curious about Kyoto's weather patterns throughout the year, be sure to check out Kyoto Climate.